After three months of negotiations, labour union Solidarity has reached a five-year wage agreement for members employed by Assmang.
This agreement was concluded in collaboration with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
Under the terms of the agreement, employees will receive a 6% increase in wages in year one, followed by increases of 5.7% for each of the four subsequent years. However, employees will receive a consumer price index- (CPI-) related increase should CPI be higher than any of the aforementioned increases.
As part of the agreement, employees will also receive a one-off payment of R12 000, while the underground allowance will be increased to R840.
“A further outcome of the negotiations is that the trade unions and the company will continue to consult with each other about an improved housing scheme that will benefit employees,” says Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis.
Solidarity describes the Assmang agreement as a victory for collective bargaining. It is also the first time that a five-year agreement has been reached with Assmang.
Du Plessis says these developments are “remarkable” and also in line with recent political developments such as the establishment of a Government of National Unity attest to.
“What we are dealing with here are two mining trade unions, Solidarity and the NUM, which have jointly negotiated under the banner of a formal alliance. This, in itself, is a victory for trade union unity and, ultimately, for every employee,” Du Plessis says. 